Tell Your Teen: “Stop Smoking…Start Shopping”

Cigarettes are smelly, unhealthy and pricey. If you gave up smoking today, look what you could buy instead.These figuresare based on giving up 20 cigarettes a day.

After One Week

Money saved £42.91 (*$43.96 in the US, based on average cost of a pack)Health benefits After one week of not smoking, levels of carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas that binds to red blood cells so that they carry less oxygen) return to normal and your lungs start to clear. Toxins start leaving your body, and you have more energy.What you can buy You’ll be saving on average £6.13 a day (*$6.28 in US) – enough for a daily treat, such as a lipstick or frappucinos for you and a friend. Or save it till the end of the week and you’ll have £42.91 for a new haircut.

After One Month

Money saved £171.64 (*$175.84 in US)Health benefits Your senses of taste and smell return as the withdrawal symptoms come to an end.What you can buy A good digital camera to keep a record of the good times.

After Three Months

Money saved £514.92 (*$527.52 in US)Health benefits Your skin looks great and, because your circulation’s better, running for the bus is easy.What you can buy Wish you were here? Your savings could now pay for a holiday, or a lot of shoes.

After Six Months

Money saved £1,029.84 (*$1,055.04 in US)Health benefits A breath of fresh air: your lungs are working up to 10% more efficiently.What you can buy A whole new wardrobe. No more excuses for wearing last year’s outfit! And you’ve saved enough for about 100 CDs and DVDs.

After One Year

Money saved £2,059.68 (*$2,110.08 in US)Health benefits Congratulations. You’re fitter, a lot richer, and your risk of a heart attack has halved.What you can buy A designer watch – time to bring on the bling. Or new wheels. Put down the deposit on a new car or buy a second-hand one.